Official complaint filed against Asheville charter school alleging racial discrimination

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WLOS) — A local group is acting against an Asheville charter school over what they allege are unfair admissions practices.

The group Western North Carolina Citizens for Equality says they aren’t looking for harm, but accountability.

The organization filed an official complaint with the U.S. Department of Education against the PEAK Academy in Asheville for racial discrimination.

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“As a watchdog group, it’s our job to raise our hand and say, ‘this is not OK,’” WNCCE President Dr. Carl Mumpower said. “This is one of those times.”

When the Asheville PEAK Academy, a public charter school, was created in 2020, leaders stated their goal was to give opportunities to all students.

"It’s needed because we see that our achievement gap is second and third, depending on what information you read about it, so it’s needed for us to help our kids to achieve higher standards,"PEAK board member Gene Bell told News 13 in 2020.

And when the school first opened in 2021, staff members News 13 talked to were on board with the school’s mission.

“The statement that was made about being a champion for these students, I absolutely believe that as a Black teacher, I set that standard for my students to be inspired, to want to achieve," first grade teacher Camesha Minto previously told News 13.

But recently, the complaint made by WNCCE claims the academy is racially discriminating against its students and staff.

Those filing the complaint point to public comments by Dr. Dwight Mullen, a founding member of the school, talking about the large number of Black students and Black teachers at the school.

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Those withWNCCE say they feel this is unfair to white students and teachers and is disproportionate to Western North Carolina's racial makeup.

“I don’t think people in our culture today are accustomed to being held accountable anymore,” Dr. Mumpower said. “In my view, we’re hardly enforcing laws at any level. Surprising? No. Disappointed in people who should know better? Yes.”

News13 reached out to Dr. Mullen and PEAK Academy on Wednesday. Dr. Mullen, referred News 13 to the school’s policy for text that would apply to this situation.

This is a developing story. Check back at WLOS.com for updates.